By Marissa Stepler Stem cells have long been a source of controversy. Most of the concern related to the use of stem cells in medical research is rooted in the fact that stem cells have to be sourced from embryonic tissue, such as the umbilical cord. Because many religious groups oppose the use of embryos in stem-cell research, the topic has been hotly debated in recent years. However, recent research has produced what may be a viable medical alternative to embryonic stem cells. The stem cells being used - and showing a lot of promise - in many current research studies are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs are made by “reprogramming” adult cells by treating them with a mixture of growth factors and other substances, provoking them to acquire some of the characteristics of embryonic cells. The most important feature of iPSCs for their use in medical research is their ability to differentiate into a number of different cell types, including skin cells, muscle cells, and neurons. Because iPSCs can develop into skin, muscle, and nerve cells, the use of iPSCs to treat autoimmune diseases that affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, is currently being investigated. iPSCs injected into the joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients have the potential to regenerate cartilage damaged or destroyed by the disease, and experimental treatment with iPSCs has allowed some patients crippled by this disease and others affected by severe systemic lupus to resume almost normal functioning. The greatest advantage of iPSC treatment, especially for patients with autoimmune diseases, is that a patient can be treated with cells sourced from his or her own body, reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions to iPSC treatment. As research on adult-derived stem cells continues to advance, the treatment options for autoimmune conditions - even those that we currently consider incurable - are expanding, offering new hope to individuals suffering from diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Sources: [1] http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics10.aspx [2] http://www.healthline.com/health-news/stem-cell-therapy-a-possible-treatment-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-010516#4 [3] http://www.americancatholic.org/News/StemCell/
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AuthorsThe authors of these blog posts are staff writers of The Triple Helix at Georgetown University. Archives
November 2016
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